Our twenty newly graduated doctors from Cuba are currently undergoing an induction program organised by the National Referral Hospital (NRH) training committee.
The hospital’s Superintendent Dr Rooney Jagilly said this is the first of its kind.
He said the Medical and Dental Board (MDB) has identified the need to have such training in place to help newly graduating doctors understand the system and familiarise themselves with their work.
The program was organised by a training committee established within the NRH through close partnership with the board.
Dr Jagilly said this program will be in place for all newly graduating doctors on their return.
The induction program will go on for three weeks which will be followed with a six months bridging program with a few short courses before the doctors will kick off their twenty four months internship program.
Dr Jagilly said since the doctors have undergone their trainings using a different language and system, it would be of great importance these new doctors go through this program.
He said according to an assessment given to the doctors, it has been found that there is great need for them to perform to the set standards required in the country.
He said currently the country is going towards adopting the Australian model which is more structured and newly qualified doctors have to meet this standard.
“It is very important that doctors meet certain standards to ensure the safety,trust and confidence of the public as far as medical practitioners are concerned. And so there is a limit where doctors have to meet. If newly graduate doctors can’t meet the standards during their bridging and internship period, then they will have to find another job,” Dr Jagilly said.
He said the aim of the training program is to get the final outcome of the graduates through support and help of senior doctors at the NRH who have shown their willingness.
He stressed that the new doctors need more practical sessions.
“From the recent assessment on the new doctors, it has uncovered the need for more practical training.”
Dr Jagilly said this might possibly for the reasons that Cuba has a different, language and some diseases the country has might not be included in their training program despite the universal principles of the medical practice.
However Dr Jagilly said the country will truly benefit from these doctors if they go through their three years program.
He said this will help solve the problem of medical doctors and will enable the posting of doctors in nearly all area health centres throughout the country.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
